Harvey Weinstein Calls Unpaid Settlement His 'Stupidest Mistake' in Jail Interview
The convicted rapist also compared himself to Hollywood legends and claimed women were attracted to him.
Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, 74, has described his failure to pay $750,000 to settle a sexual assault claim as his "stupidest mistake." In an exclusive jailhouse interview with the Daily Mail, Weinstein, who is currently serving a 15-year sentence for sexual assault, reflected on his past actions and legal battles.
Weinstein was convicted of sexually assaulting former production assistant Miriam Haley in 2006 at his New York City apartment. Haley, 49, has stated that the assault has had a lasting impact, telling the court during sentencing that she often felt like the one on trial.
During the interview, Weinstein also drew comparisons between himself and Hollywood figures such as Johnny Depp, who testified in his defamation case against ex-wife Amber Heard. Weinstein stated he regretted not taking the stand in his own defense. He also claimed that women were attracted to him and that his "stupidest mistake" was not settling with Haley, a decision he made after being advised against it.
Weinstein asserted that his two children with ex-wife Georgina Chapman, 16-year-old India and 13-year-old Dashiell, continue to visit him in prison. He also noted that he no longer speaks to Chapman, who is now in a relationship with actor Adrien Brody. "Georgina's very happy with her partner... So there's no reason for me to be involved in any way," Weinstein said.
The former film producer gave two interviews to conservative commentator Candace Owens during his retrial. He maintained that he did not pay Owens for her coverage.
Another accuser, Jessica Mann, an aspiring actress, alleged that Weinstein raped her in 2013. That charge was dropped in June after Weinstein's initial conviction was overturned and two subsequent trials resulted in deadlocked juries.
